The Healing

by Wanda E. Brunstetter

  Esther’s heart started to pound. She remembered how she’d come here with Titus shortly after he’d moved to Kentucky and had refused to go up in the monument with him because of her fear of heights. Titus had been nice about it, but she’d seen the look of disappointment on his face, and it had made her feel guilty.

  What had she been thinking, agreeing to come here today? Surely Samuel, and probably the others, would expect her to go up in the monument, too.

  I climbed up the ladder to rescue Penny when she was stuck in that tree awhile back, she reminded herself. At least this time I’ll be inside the safety of a building. Maybe if I don’t look down I’ll be okay.

  “What’s wrong, Esther? You look upset,” Bonnie said after they’d climbed out of the truck.

  “I … uh … It’s nothing. I’m fine,” Esther said with a shake of her head, not wanting to reveal how bad her phobia was.

  “Are you sure you want to do this?” Allen asked. “I remember the last time we came here you stayed below.”

  “I know I did, but I—I think I can do it this time.” Esther really wasn’t sure she could do it, but she had to try.

  “Let’s get our tickets bought and go up inside right away.” Allen pointed to the visitor’s center, which was where they’d need to go for tickets. “I can’t wait to show everyone the great view from up there.”

  “This is going to be fun,” Samuel said as he walked beside Esther. “Don’t think I’ve ever been in a building that tall.”

  Esther shivered. Was it too late to say no? Would Samuel be terribly disappointed if she waited on a bench below while he and the others went up? She didn’t want to do anything that might ruin her chances with Samuel, so she wouldn’t let on how fearful she felt and was determined this time to go up in that building.

  “How high did you say this building is?” Samuel asked their guide as they entered the elevator that would take them to the viewing area.

  “The structure is 351 feet tall, and it was made from solid Kentucky limestone,” the young man said.

  “It was built in 1917. Isn’t that right?” Allen asked.

  “That’s when it was started—built in honor of Jefferson Davis, the famous Kentuckian born June 3, 1808, right here on this site,” the guide said with a nod. “But it wasn’t completed right away. You see, steam was the principle source of power back then, and so the workers used steam engines to power their equipment, including steam-powered drills. A quarry was dug on the south end of the park site, and the stone was crushed in mixing cement. By the fall of 1918, the monument had reached a height of 175 feet. But then construction had to be stopped, due to rationing of building materials during World War I. Work on the monument resumed in January 1922, and it was completed in 1924. Of course, the monument has undergone major renovations since then,” the guide added.

  Samuel felt like his head was swimming with all that historical information. It was interesting to hear how the monument came about though.

  When they stepped off the elevator and moved toward the viewing windows, Samuel noticed that Esther held back.

  “Come on,” he coaxed. “Shall we take a look?”

  When she didn’t budge, he took her hand. “Don’t you want to see the view below?”

  “Umm … sure. I guess so.”

  Looking none too thrilled about the idea, Esther let Samuel lead her to one of the viewing windows, where Allen and Bonnie already stood with their guide.

  “The view from up here is breathtaking,” Bonnie said. “I’ve been in plenty of tall buildings in downtown Portland, but to me, none of them had a view as nice as this. Just look at all those pretty trees!”

  Esther clung so tightly to Samuel’s hand that her fingernails dug into his skin. She was clearly not comfortable being up here.

  “Are you okay?” he asked, leaning close to her ear.

  “I–I’m fine. Just a little dizzy is all.” She edged away from the window and leaned tightly against the back wall.

  “I think we ought to go down now,” Samuel said to their guide. “Esther’s not feeling well.”

  The guide looked at Allen and Bonnie. “If you two aren’t done looking yet, you can ride down in the elevator with us, and then I’ll bring you back up. It’s against the rules for me to leave you up here alone.”

  “No, that’s okay. I’ve seen enough.” Allen looked at Bonnie. “How about you?”

  “I don’t need to come back either,” she said, as though sensing Esther’s anxiety.

  When they stepped into the elevator and started their descent, Samuel couldn’t help but notice the look of relief on Esther’s pale-looking face.

  “Are you okay?” he asked when they stepped off the elevator.

  She gave a quick nod. “I’m fine now. Just needed some fresh air.”

  “It was kind of stuffy up there,” Bonnie said. “Of course, we’re having another hot, humid day.”

  “Should we go to the gift shop and get an ice-cream bar?” Allen suggested. “Maybe something cold and sweet would perk us all up.”

  “That sounds nice,” Esther said. She’d let go of Samuel’s hand and was walking with a relaxed stride toward the gift shop.

  Samuel smiled to himself. He enjoyed being with Esther and hoped they could do something fun like this again soon.

  CHAPTER 44

  Pembroke, Kentucky

  As Esther sat on a blanket near the pond, holding Jared in her lap, a feeling of contentment came over her, like a warm, cozy quilt. She glanced at Suzanne, who sat beside her, and smiled. “It’s a beautiful day, isn’t it? Not so hot for a change.”

  Suzanne smiled. “Jah. It’s a reminder that fall’s not far off. You can really feel and see the beauty of God’s creation on a day like this.” She motioned to Samuel and Titus, sitting on the ground not far away with their fishing lines cast into the pond. “It’s good that they both have this Saturday off and can spend some time together doing something they both like.”

  “You’re right about them both liking to fish,” Esther agreed. “From the eager expression I saw on Leon’s face when his daed baited his hook, I’d say he likes to fish equally well.”

  “Everyone seems quite happy today.” Suzanne motioned to Marla and Penny, who were giggling and taking turns throwing a stick for Lucky to fetch.

  Esther leaned back on her elbows and sighed. “I can’t believe Samuel and I are actually courting.”

  “Speaking of courting, how was your visit to the Jefferson Davis Monument a couple of weeks ago?”

  “It was okay. I forced myself to go up inside, but I got dizzy and was glad that we didn’t stay there long.”

  “Does Samuel know about your fear of heights?” Suzanne questioned.

  “I think he does because Marla mentioned it to him that day when I rescued Penny from the tree. I made myself go up in the monument because I didn’t want Samuel to think I’m afraid of every little thing, or he might stop courting me the way Titus did.”

  Suzanne’s brows puckered. “I thought when you and Titus stopped courting it was a mutual agreement. You said you weren’t seriously interested in him.”

  Feeling the need to reassure her friend, Esther shook her head and said, “I knew after we’d gone a few places together that we weren’t meant for each other, but I think Titus knew it the day I wouldn’t go up into the monument with him.”

  “Well, if Samuel really cares for you, I don’t think he’ll stop courting you because you’re afraid of heights.”

  Esther shrugged. “Maybe not, but I didn’t want to disappoint him by waiting below on a bench.”

  Suzanne squeezed Esther’s arm. “I think it was good for you to meet your fear head-on. Maybe each time you force yourself to go somewhere that’s up high, your fear will lessen.”

  “Maybe so, but I hope I’m not faced with challenges like the monument too often.” Esther placed Jared on the blanket. The little guy had fallen asleep and was getting heavy in her lap. “Are you excited abou
t your wedding?” she asked Suzanne.

  Suzanne bobbed her head. “I can’t believe it’s only two months away. Summer has gone by so quickly, and there’s so much to do yet before the wedding.”

  “You’ve finished sewing your dress though, haven’t you?”

  “Jah, but lots of other things need to be done—especially during the weeks right before the wedding.”

  “I’ll be happy to help with anything you need,” Esther offered.

  “That’s nice of you, but between watching Samuel’s kinner and helping Bonnie at the B&B, you’ve got your hands full.”

  “I don’t work at the B&B when we don’t have guests, and most Saturdays, Samuel doesn’t work, so that gives me some time to do other things.”

  “But don’t you want to keep your Saturdays free for times like this, when you can be with Samuel doing something fun?”

  “I do enjoy being with him, but we’re not together every Saturday, and since you’re my good friend and I’m going to be one of your attendants, I want to help with the wedding preparations.”

  The sunlight glistened in Suzanne’s auburn hair as she smiled and said, “I appreciate that, and when it’s time to start cleaning before our guests arrive, your help will be needed and appreciated.”

  “Do you know how many of Titus’s family members will be coming?”

  “I’m not sure, but I know his folks and his twin brother will be coming, because Titus talked to them both earlier this week. While Titus wants all his brothers and sisters and their families to come, he’s a little worried about where they’ll stay, because his place only has three bedrooms.”

  “Some of them will no doubt stay with Samuel. My folks’ house is big enough to put up several people.”

  “Even so, if everyone who receives an invitation comes, we’ll need to look for more places for them to stay.”

  “What about the B&B? I’m sure Bonnie would give them a discount on any of her rooms. Would you like me to speak to her about it?”

  “That’s a good idea. Let us know what she says, and then Titus can talk to his folks about it so they can spread the word.” Suzanne nudged Esther and motioned toward the pond. “Looks like Samuel’s heading this way. Maybe he’s caught his limit of fish for the day.”

  “Think I’ve done enough fishing for today,” Samuel said, kneeling on the grass in front of Esther. “How would you like to go for a walk in the woods with me? If we’re lucky, we might see some interesting wildlife along the way.”

  Esther motioned toward sleeping Jared. “If we all go for a walk, we’ll have to disturb this little guy.”

  “I wasn’t figuring on taking the kinner,” Samuel said. “Thought it could be just you and me.”

  “Oh, I see.” A blotch of red erupted on Esther’s cheeks, but he was glad when she rose to her feet and didn’t say no.

  “Would you mind keeping an eye on the kinner for me?” he asked Suzanne. “I don’t think we’ll be gone too long.”

  “I don’t mind one bit. After all, in just two more months, these sweet kinner will be my nieces and nephews.” Suzanne smiled up at Samuel. “You and Esther enjoy your walk, and don’t feel like you have to hurry back. Take your time, because we’ll be fine here.”

  “I appreciate that. Oh, and make sure Lucky doesn’t follow us. I don’t want him scaring off any wildlife we might see.” Samuel bent down and grabbed a bottle of water and a bag of pretzels from the box of snacks they’d brought along. “In case we get hungry or thirsty,” he said, smiling at Esther.

  She returned his smile and gave a little nod.

  The birds chirped happily in the trees overhead as Samuel and Esther started walking along the trail near the water.

  When they stepped into a clearing a short time later, Samuel pointed to a tall wooden structure that had been built for hunters to sit and watch for deer. “I’ll bet if we climbed up there, we’d have a good vantage point and could keep an eye out for deer or any other critters, and they won’t even know we’re here.”

  Esther’s eyes widened as she halted her steps. “You … you want me to climb up there?”

  He gave a nod.

  “How do you know that ladder’s safe to climb? It looks pretty old.”

  “Esther, are you scared?”

  “A little,” she admitted.

  “You climbed the ladder at the B&B to get Penny down from a tree.”

  “That was different. Penny’s life was at stake, and the ladder I used was in good shape.”

  “I really don’t think the tree stand’s that old,” Samuel said, “but I’ll go up first and test the ladder. If I don’t fall and break my neck, I’ll come back and get you.”

  She swatted his arm playfully. “That’s nothing to kid about, Samuel.”

  “Sorry.” Samuel gave Esther’s arm a reassuring squeeze and handed her the bag of pretzels and bottle of water. “I’ll be fine. You’ll see.”

  Slowly and carefully, Samuel ascended the ladder until he was standing inside the tree stand. He glanced down and saw Esther looking up at him. “The ladder’s sturdy,” he called, “and the view from here is really good. I’m coming back down to get you.”

  Samuel climbed down the ladder, took the water and pretzels from Esther, and tucked them both under one arm. “You go first, and I’ll be right behind you,” he said.

  She hesitated but finally started up the ladder. Samuel followed, guiding her verbally with each step. When she reached the top, she drew in a sharp breath. “Ach, my! It’s higher than I thought it would be.”

  “It’s not that high,” Samuel said, joining her on the wooden platform. “Compared to the Jefferson Davis Monument, this is nothing.”

  She inched away from the edge and closer to Samuel. “It is to me. I’m afraid of anyplace that’s high up and have been since I was a kinner.”

  Samuel set the pretzels and water on the wooden floor and slipped his arms around Esther’s waist. “You’re safe with me, so don’t be afraid,” he murmured, leaning his head close to her ear. He felt her relax against him and was confident that her fear was abating.

  They stood like that for several minutes, until Samuel spotted two doe nibbling on the leaves of some brush. “Look there,” he whispered. “Do you see the deer?”

  “Jah. They’re beautiful, aren’t they?”

  “They sure are.” But not near as beautiful as you, he thought.

  Samuel kept his arms around Esther’s waist as they continued to watch the deer. Then, when he was sure Esther was fully relaxed, he turned her to face him. “If you’re afraid of heights, how come you went to the top of the monument with us that day?”

  “I thought it would be good for me to face my fear, and I didn’t want to disappoint you.”

  “It wouldn’t have, Esther. I would have understood.” He gave her a reassuring squeeze. “Are you afraid right now?”

  “I was at first, but not anymore.”

  As Samuel enjoyed the quiet of the moment, he felt that with Esther by his side, he was right where he wanted to be. Giving in to his impulse to kiss her, he slowly lowered his head. Their lips were almost touching when—Woof! Woof! Woof!—Lucky bounded out of the woods and chased away the deer.

  “Stupid hund,” Samuel muttered. “I shoulda left him at home. Guess I’d better go get him or he’ll be running through the woods chasin’ some poor animal for the rest of the day.”

  With a feeling of regret, Samuel climbed down the ladder, guiding Esther’s footsteps as she followed. Maybe it was too soon for him to be kissing her anyway. He didn’t want her to think he was too forward. If he could resist the temptation, he’d wait until they’d been courting longer to try and kiss her again. Until that day came, he thought it might be best if he made sure they were never alone.

  CHAPTER 45

  Paradise, Pennsylvania

  You’d better hurry and start packing if we’re gonna be ready to leave on time in the morning,” Timothy said to Hannah after he’d put his own cl
othes into a suitcase. They’d hired four drivers with big, fifteen-passenger vans to transport the more than fifty relatives that would be going to Kentucky for Titus and Suzanne’s wedding. Anxious to see Titus and Samuel, as well as the lay of the land in Kentucky, Timothy could hardly wait to get there.

  “I’ve decided not to go,” Hannah said, as she removed the pins from her hair and picked up the brush from her dresser.

  Titus whirled around to face her. “Just when did you decide that?”

  “This morning when I found out that my mamm hurt her ankle.”

  “I’m sorry about that, but it’s only a sprain, so I don’t see why that should keep you from going to the wedding.”

  “My mamm’s in a lot of pain, and she can barely put any weight on her leg, so she’s going to need some help for the next several days.”

  Titus ground his teeth together. Not this again. Was Hannah looking for an excuse not to go to the wedding, or had she once more latched on to her mother’s apron strings?

  “Look,” Titus said, trying to keep from raising his voice, “it’s not like you’re the only person who can help your mamm. She can call on one of her daughters-in-law if she really needs some help.”

  Hannah shook her long, silky brown tresses. “My brother’s wives are all busy caring for their kinner. As you well know, Mahon and Betsy have five kinner, all under the age of ten, and my brother Paul and his wife, Sarah, have four kinner, two of them still in diapers. And of course my other brothers, Stephen and Clarence, live in New York, so their wives aren’t available to help.”

  “Okay, so none of them are free to give your mamm a hand, but she has friends in our community. I’m sure she could ask one of them to help out.”

  Hannah shrugged. “Maybe they could, but Mom wants me. We do many things alike, so she’ll know whatever I do for her is done right.”

  Timothy grunted. “If you want my opinion, your mamm’s too picky about things, and she shouldn’t expect you to stay home from my bruder’s wedding to take care of her when she could ask one of her friends.”